Good paths throughout although the transit along the valley floor via High Cup Gill is boggy in places. There is a short scramble over a boulder field followed by an easy climb to gain the top of the Nick. The descent from High Cup Nick back to Dufton is on The Pennine Way.

Walk Description

If one day you fancy something different other than walking in the Lake District then simply head over to the other side of the M6 to Dufton and give High Cup a go. It always amazes me how a great deal of my walking friends have never heard of it - quite simply it is a hidden gem that on a clear, sunny day epitomises what's great about getting out there and exploring our beautiful country. To put it simply and without becoming a geological bore, High Cup is a classic U-shaped glaciated valley high on the western flanks of the North Pennines - it is a dramatic geological formation of dolerite and is part of the Great Whin Sill.

We have walked High Cup a few times now and our route has followed the popular route up from Dufton to return via High Cup Scar and Keisley. Today we had a friend out with us, Jon and we decided that it would be a good idea to approach High Cup from below. The route would see us leave from Dufton via Greenhow and join our normal descent from High Cup at Harbour Flatt - from here we would transit High Cup via the valley floor and scramble up the Nick to the top of the valley. We would then return via The Pennine Way & Narrow Gate back to Dufton - that was the plan anyway.

​From the Car Park in Dufton there is path along the side of the Caravan Site that enters Dufton Ghyll Wood and continues through a delightful woodland section to reach Greenhow Farm. The route then meanders over farmland to a way mark, signposted to the tiny hamlet of Keisley. A section of road walking albeit along the quietest of country lanes follows to reach the farm at Harbour Flatt and the route follows the track through the farm buildings to continue on to open fell side. Passing a small tarn we stopped briefly for lunch before warning Jon he was about to observe a sight that would remain long in the memory. Turning the corner near Middletongue Crag High Cup opens out and whilst the view above from Narrow Gate is spectacular, when the U shaped valley is viewed from below it is something else.

​The transit along the valley floor is a delight - it was as though we were entering a huge amphitheatre with the crags high above us as we made our way along. In the distance we could see a group of about 10 walkers slowly making their way towards us - these were the only people we saw all day. The path more or less stayed straight and roughly in line with the head of the Nick - the terrain underfoot was generally good although we had to sidestep a few boggy sections before reaching a boulder field. On a day like today - dry and sunny - the transit over the large mass of boulders was fairly easy but care would need to be taken if the conditions were wet or icy.

​From a distance the top of the Nick looks quite inaccessible but on passing the boulder field it was clear to see that there was only a small amount of not so steep scrambling to be done before reaching the top. There are two ways to attain the Nick - either our route which was up a grassy rake to the left followed by a short scramble or a longer clamber over another boulder field to the right. From the top of the Nick the view down the U shaped valley is just superb and it is worth hanging about a bit here and taking it all in - which we did as unusually we had the top to ourselves.

It was now time to head back to Dufton and we joined The Pennine Way to follow the Narrow Gate path along the northern edge of the escarpment to pass Nichol's Chair remembering to look back often to see the wonderful views on offer back to the Nick and down into the valley below. Once the turn to the north is made near Peeping Hill, it is a delightful path that delivered us back to Dufton via Billysbeck Bridge. Despite having walked High Cup several times, this walk has got to be the best way to enjoy this fabulous spectacle.

The village green and ornate fountain in Dufton with The Stag Inn behind.

​The Quaker owned London Lead Company developed the village through the construction of housing, a school, a library and the installation of piped water. The fountain and circular water trough built by the Company forms a centrepiece on the green. The inscription on the fountain reads (translated from the Latin):​There is a clear pool, whose waters gleam like silver. It is not tainted by shepherds, or by their she-goats grazing on the mountain. Nor is it muddied by cattle, or by birds or wild animals, or by a branch fallen from a tree.

The path heads through the pretty Dufton Ghyll Wood

Inquisitive locals at Greenhow Farm

Looking over to Dufton Pike

Murton Pike ahead

The path heads inland over fields to reach the small hamlet of Keisley

After about half a mile along a quiet country lane the route reaches the farm at Harbour Flatt

I should hope so too

Heading out of Harbour Flatt.The route follows the farm track to a ford and can be seen rising to the right. The track is not followed - instead a faint path is taken which heads below the scar in the centre of shot. High Cup awaits to the rear.

Heading along the farm track at Harbour Flatt - we were in for a great day

The route passes to the right of this small tarn as it contours around to High Cup

Looking over to the north as we head for High Cup Gill

A quick stop for lunch and a bit of a howl for Fudge

Rounding the bend the wonderful sight of High Cup is revealed

High Cup out of zoom - just superb

Middletongue Crag

A little nearer in and we have a group coming towards us - these were the only people we saw all day

A High Cup panoramic........

...... and another one for good measure

This section was a tad boggy but not too bad

Looking up to our route back to Dufton along The Pennine Way via Narrow Gate

Further in towards the Nick - the boulder field is now in view and the scramble looks a little daunting

With my good friend Jon - mates now for over 50 years

Looking to High Cup Scar

Looking back along our route as High Cup Gill meanders away from us

Approaching the boulder field

Nichol's ChairNichol was a Dufton cobbler who, in addition to climbing the column also soled and heeled a pair of boots whilst sitting on the top.

The path starts to rise slightly as we near the boulder field

I would imagine this could be a bit more difficult in the wet or ice - today was easy enough

Looking back down High Cup from the top of the boulder field

The top of the boulder field - it is here that you have 2 options of ascent. The path to the left is on grass before a short & easy scramble (the route we took) or there is an alternative route scrambling over boulders to the right

Another look down High Cup as we make our ascent

The route up the left hand edge of the Nick - the scrambling starts roughly where I am now

Jon making his way up the scramble

Angie is standing roughly where you need to make the decision which route to take - to the left are the boulders you need to negotiate. Next time we will give this route a go as it looked an entertaining scramble.

High Cup Scar from the top of the Nick

Team Walsh on High Cup Nick

This is the point where the scramble route pops you out - what a reward

A High Cup panoramic - and nobody here!

High Cup Scar panorama

Near Nichol's Chair looking to High Cup Scar

Looking to High Cup Nick from Nichol's Chair

Joining The Pennine Way to begin the lovely walk back to Dufton via Narrow Gate

The southern end of High Cup Scar with Murton Pike to the right

It was a lovely evening as we bade farewell to High Cup

Murton Pike and our route of ascent

Heading back along the track with Dufton Pike ahead

A lovely scene as we near Dufton

A Dufton Pike panorama

And here we are - time for a beer!!

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